In today’s complex, global business environment, transportation managers play a key role in the efficient production, transportation and storage of supplies and goods. In a variety of industries, these professionals are responsible for optimizing transportation performance and managing expenses in order to fulfill organizational goals.
Manufacturers and retailers are increasingly turning to distribution outsourcing and just-in-time fulfillment to improve efficiency. Becoming a transportation manager takes the right combination of educational background, work experience and personal attributes.
What is a Transportation Manager?
Transportation management is a flexible, analytical and creative position. Transportation managers are typically required to lead operations for organizations that provide transportation services, or to oversee strategic transportation initiatives for retail or wholesale fulfillment. These professionals work closely with supply chain, sales, customer service and technology departments, as well as with external vendors.
Why Transportation Managers Matter
Transportation is an area of business that requires highly skilled managers, especially as operations become more complex and efficiency remains the guiding principle of countless organizations. Transportation managers are responsible for scheduling, training, supporting and developing staff to maximize productivity while minimizing risk, expenses and errors. From the clothes we wear to the appliances we use to keep them clean, the products we use daily are made available through the efforts of transportation managers.
Transportation managers typically oversee all aspects of transportation, from safety training to regulatory compliance. Typical job duties include scheduling and tracking deliveries, assigning work to staff and analyzing the effectiveness of existing operations. These professionals may develop and implement more efficient procedures to eliminate waste and errors, thereby improving productivity and profits.
Transportation managers will often resolve disputes, solve transportation problems and negotiate with suppliers. Their overarching responsibility is to support customer experiences through efficient product transportation and delivery.
Where Can I Find Jobs as a Transportation Manager?
Transportation manager jobs can typically be found in industries such as retailing, shipping, logistics, food service, transportation and wholesaling. Essential job skills can often be utilized throughout the various industries that employ transportation managers.
Education Preparation for Jobs in Transportation Management
Although desired educational qualifications will vary by employer and industry, transportation manager candidates generally will be required to have a college degree.
- Associate’s Degree: You may qualify for an entry-level job in transportation with a two-year associate’s degree and related work experience. Advancing to a management position often requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Many transportation management job requirements include a bachelor’s degree, along with industry knowledge. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with supply chain, fulfillment center operation or contract negotiation experience.
- Master’s Degree: Some advanced transportation management positions may require a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These advanced degrees typically take an additional one to two years beyond the bachelor’s level.
Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement
In addition to a minimum education level, candidates for transportation management jobs will typically need to demonstrate essential business skills, such as planning, strategic thinking, and written and verbal communication. Employers may also look for attributes such as:
- A commitment to continuous improvement
- Strong negotiation and management skills
- An analytical, process-centered work style
- Effective problem-solving skills
- High level of attention to detail
Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement or assistance to employees pursuing advanced qualifications, such as degrees and certifications from regionally accredited universities.
Potential Salary for Transportation Manager Jobs
According to a May 2016 national survey by the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual wage for transportation managers was $97,630. The top 10% of earners in this category of employees had an annual wage of more than $152,700.
As with employment opportunities, salary potential may vary depending on location, industry, and a candidate’s education and experience. Prospective students are encouraged to conduct independent research.
Are You on the Road to a Transportation Manager Career?
If you’re adept at managing information and people, as well as planning and setting strategy, you could fit well into the fast-paced career of transportation manager.
